Yet another country from Scandinavia. And the abode of one of the masters of cinema, Ingmar Bergman. I had seen Wild Strawberries just to know more about his cinema. Frankly i was not impressed. (Maybe i missed some inner meaning or symbolism in the movie.) Shortly afterwards it was by chance that i saw The Seventh Seal. I did not even know that this was a Bergman movie when i started downloading it. And then impresson dawned easily without any reluctance.
This black and white movie, set in the middle ages during the time of the crusades in a part of Scandinavia, is a philosophical one. The protagonist is a knight returning back to his homeland after a bout in the crusades. On the way back he confronts Death. Events turn out in such a fashion that he has to defeat Death in a game of chess so that he and all he loves can escape from His clutches. There are various other characters in the movie who include the knight's subordinate companion, a travelling troupe, a woman accused of practising witchcraft and various others they meet on the journey. Each character adds more depth and dimensions to the story.
This movie shows the social structure and the way of life of the people of that time and place. The commoners are simpletons who are deeply superstitious and live their lives with simple joys. The land is riddled with disease, and a lot of human lives have been lost to the war. The whole country is filled with strife but life just keeps going on. The game of chess with Death adds an additional layer of morosity throughout the movie. The director follows a parable pattern wherein there are discussions on the situations that unfurl. Both pessimistic and optimistic views are pushed through the characters of corresponding dispositions, although it is a bit more inclined to the former. Ultimately this is not a thriller movie to be watched for its suspense, it is one which should be slowly savoured in and digested.
France is the land of cinema. It is the cradle of celluloid civilisation. Directors are considered as auteurs here. ( P.S: I am a semi francophile and a pretty decent franco-cinemophile, so forgive me if i have gone over the limits in this description) And the movie i wish to feature from this country is Amelie.
The titular character is a charming girl who works incessantly and easily to fix the problems of the people around here and add a little colour and joy in their lives. It is not the typical feel good movie of a selfless saint trying to make everyone around him/her happy. Amelie does not do anything extraordinary or make hard sacrifices. In fact there are dark undertones to many of her seemingly innoccuous actions (though i must confess that this fact did not register in my mind till i incidentally read about it somewhere online). The movie shows that small thoughtful actions can make deep positive impacts . The beautiful cinematography and wonderful soundtrack brings the viewer into the movie. And i must say that i have never been as happy and filled with bliss after seeing any other movie.
Audrey Tautu effortlessly 'lives' the titular character. The beauty and success of this movie owes a large part to her. (I dedicate this paragraph in her name)
Viva la France and its cinema!
